Thanks for the video! And thanks for you’re thorough review! I’ve been to EPM in early December and was surprised to find the pools unheated, even the private pools in the Honeymoon and Imperial Suites w/ Private Pool. Which brings up a question. Can you tell me, are the private pools in the Casitas, or the plunge pools in the terrace suites heated at Beloved?
Thank you! Last we were at EPM in November the pools were too cold. The suites with private pools are tricky. Technically, I know they can hook a hose up to the outdoor shower and top up the pool with hot water. I have seen them do it. Sometimes they will do it for you but sometimes they won't. I think it is ridiculous that the pools aren't climate controlled considering what it costs to go there. At Beloved the main pools CAN in fact be heated but they choose not to heat them to save money. A couple of years ago they had a date of December 21st to turn on the pool heat but more recently they have not. The hot tubs at Beloved were nice and warm when we were last there and the ocean was a nice temperature. The service is outstanding! 😊
We are debating going in November. Is the water and beach here dirty or full of seaweed? Did you have any difficulty making reservations on property or get bored of the food or get the stomach flu from eating, or drinking on property? How long of a walk is it to your room? How well did the AC work? I like a cold room to sleep in, 67F ideally. Is the water pressure low, any limited hot water issues, how well does the wifi work? Are the pools heated?
This video was taken in November. Seaweed can change daily. Cooler months typically have less but no guarantees. They do not require dinner reservations, just go when you want and if they are busy have a couple of cocktails while you wait for a table. If you stay a week+ you should have the option to have one dinner next door at EPM and that needs to be booked in advance. We had no stomach issues from the food and we don't drink tap water. It is an easy 5 ish minutes to walk from the lobby to the beach. Rooms are in between. Ac worked great and it was not locked to a set temp when we were there. November is not typically a humid time of year which helps. Pools can be cool in November depending on what the weather has been like. They don't turn on the pool heat. The water pressure was great and the showers were fantastic! Wifi was decent pretty much everywhere, even most of the beach areas. Hope that helps 😃
@@newtravelescapes We have a swim up suite with private garden reserved for November. In your video this shows second story I was under the impression based on Beloved's website when I booked it would be ground floor and an actual swim up/out room. Is this true or no, thanks.
It depends what you are looking for. Service, peacefulness, quiet and zen without being boring - Beloved. Service, activities, more restaurants and better nightlife then Excellence. My favourite = 4 nights at Beloved + 4 (or 5) nights at EPM. 😁
@@patsman6737 and a nice 'excuse' to make your vacay a few nights longer. 😜 It is really easy as they are next door to one another. They will just take you over in a golf cart.
Thanks for the video. Just got back from the Finest in Punta Cana. This resort looks great. Was going to do El Carmen in September but maybe this resort instead.
How was Finest punta cana? Been to finest in cancun several times as well as excellence El carmen we are booked for finest PC in july I’m kind of tired of Cancun
Well, I haven't stayed in all of them so I can't be specific about a room number but, in my opinion, the terrace suites in building 1 have the best views of the ocean because they face more towards the sea. The terraces are pretty private but none of them are 'ultra' private. 😊
Wonderful review could you tell me what's a good time to go we love the beach but not the seaweed. What time of the year were you there, and was there a seaweed problem. Also was transportation included for free from the airport. According to the excellence web site if staying beyond 3 days it's free from season tours.
Thank you for your kind words 😊 I would normally suggest December through to March has much less seaweed but this current winter (2023) they have had more seaweed than I have seen in recent years. 🤔 Our footage was taken in November and although the beach was great the pools were very cold. Excellence often includes private transfers if you book a (4 or more night) refundable stay directly with the resort. Make sure it states it before you book. It is often included but not always. Beloved is one of my personal favourites and they do a good job cleaning up the seaweed throughout the day so even if it turns out to be a heavier seaweed time of year they work very hard to clear it.
@@lawrencedorsey2099 when you book online, look for the FLEXIBLE RATE. It will say "Free cancellation with no penalties up to 24 hours before arrival date. Free transfer included with a minimum 3-night stay" It gives you that option for most dates. Seasons is owned by Excellence and is only available to those staying at one of their properties. If it turns out you find a better price as a package with flights you can always use a different transfer company to get to and from the airport. There are several very good ones for Cancun Airport that will run you about $100 round trip. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 😊
Pools being heated is a bit elusive. Resorts that say they heat their pools typically only heat their jacuzzis. Beloved does have warm Jacuzzis off of each pool. We were at Secrets Moxche in December 2022 and all of the pools were nice but when I asked about it they wouldn't elaborate on if they turned on by date or simply when the pools were cool. The pool heat situation is strange at many resorts and, frankly, kind of stupid. They have heat but they don't turn it on until some random date. The concept of "pool heat turns on whenever it gets down to ?°c" just isn't a thing. I don't know why. Iberostar Grand Paraiso has a spa pool with a retractable roof that is heated in the winter and it is open to guests, not just those with spa appointments. A hidden gem. Sorry for my rambling but heated pools are really rare. Some years it won't be an issue because the temperatures stay warm, other years if they have a lot of rain the pools are colder.
Do all room categories have equal access to restaurants, bars, and pools? Wondering if there is a "preferred" tier similar to Secrets that I should be aware of. Thanks!
Hello! Loving all of your videos! Sooo helpful! We are trying out our first AI in May 2023 for our 20 yr Anniversary. Having a hard time trying to decide which one would be best. I love the idea of Beloved but am afraid we would end up being bored after a few days. We are not big on loud parties or drinking but love to people watch lol. Would staying at EPM and then switching to Beloved be a good idea? What would you suggest? Thanks 😊
Thank you! That is so nice to hear!! My husband and I did exactly that resort split for our anniversary. 🙂 My son and his wife did as well, for their honeymoon. Beloved is high end and peaceful and EPM can be more lively but you can still find quiet when you want it. The lazy river is very tranquil at EPM. It also depends on how long you have for your vacation. I personally wouldn't split a trip that is less than 7 nights. The checking in and out would take up too much time but 5 and 5 (or longer) would be great! My ideal 'sweet spot' is 7 nights at EPM and 5 nights at Beloved. Congrats and Have fun planning your vacation! So exciting! Lmk if there is any other questions you have that I may have missed.
@@newtravelescapes one more question…sorry 😬 If Beloved is Excellence status for everyone, would you still do EC at EPM before your switch to Beloved? Which rooms would you recommend at both resorts? We love the idea of the private pool at Beloved as we like to night swim and I’ve seen that the pools close pretty early. Thanks again for all of your help 😁
@@carlarowton3995 no need to be sorry I am happy to help if I know the answer. 🙂 Club level is so subjective. It is just personal preference really. You get access to a couple of quiet pools and the Magna restaurant (which is great!) Better room locations. And some upgraded liquor. If those are important to you then it is worth it. For me personally, we look at our budget and see where our priorities lay for that particular trip. So for our last visit one of my priorities was a swim out suite. We booked a swimout non club at EPM because I was willing to sacrificed the club level jr suite for the non club swimout to stay on budget. Club level is really nice and the EPM club level ocean view rooms are in a great location but only IF your budget allows for it. You still get great service if you are not club and the rooms are very similar, just location differences. This probably isn't helping your decision but it would honestly come down to money, for me (because I like to travel a lot🤪). If I could stay a few days longer by not booking club, I would. If it is a big celebration with a good budget that doesn't happen very often then I would go all out and book your favourite room in your preferred location. Either way, both resorts are very good even in the entry level rooms. We feel more 'spoiled' with the club level with Magna and the extra touches here and there. I have done both non club and club levels and they are both good.
Nope. They are not very private. Not bad, but not what I would deem as private. The beach front ones are less private than the buildings tucked back a bit further. Hope that helps. 🙂
When we were there the beach bags were only to use during our stay, not to keep. Unless, things have changed you can be charged for the bag if you take it home. A bit of a bummer. I would have liked it as a souvenir (not enough to pay for it though) lol 😊
Unfortunately No. But they used to have a little trick where they can connect a hose to the outdoor shower and add warm water to up the temp a bit. 😊 I would assume, if you ask. they can still do that if it is too cold for your liking.
Hi! When we were last there we had access to the hydrotherapy circuit daily (once per day per person) when staying in the owner's suite. There was one included dinner on the beach as well as an hour of bar service in your room. These needed to be booked in advance with your concierge. I haven't heard if any of that has changed for 2023. The owners suite is huge!!! 🙂
Thanks for the video! And thanks for you’re thorough review! I’ve been to EPM in early December and was surprised to find the pools unheated, even the private pools in the Honeymoon and Imperial Suites w/ Private Pool. Which brings up a question. Can you tell me, are the private pools in the Casitas, or the plunge pools in the terrace suites heated at Beloved?
Thank you!
Last we were at EPM in November the pools were too cold.
The suites with private pools are tricky. Technically, I know they can hook a hose up to the outdoor shower and top up the pool with hot water. I have seen them do it. Sometimes they will do it for you but sometimes they won't.
I think it is ridiculous that the pools aren't climate controlled considering what it costs to go there.
At Beloved the main pools CAN in fact be heated but they choose not to heat them to save money.
A couple of years ago they had a date of December 21st to turn on the pool heat but more recently they have not.
The hot tubs at Beloved were nice and warm when we were last there and the ocean was a nice temperature.
The service is outstanding! 😊
We are debating going in November. Is the water and beach here dirty or full of seaweed? Did you have any difficulty making reservations on property or get bored of the food or get the stomach flu from eating, or drinking on property? How long of a walk is it to your room? How well did the AC work? I like a cold room to sleep in, 67F ideally. Is the water pressure low, any limited hot water issues, how well does the wifi work? Are the pools heated?
This video was taken in November.
Seaweed can change daily. Cooler months typically have less but no guarantees.
They do not require dinner reservations, just go when you want and if they are busy have a couple of cocktails while you wait for a table. If you stay a week+ you should have the option to have one dinner next door at EPM and that needs to be booked in advance.
We had no stomach issues from the food and we don't drink tap water.
It is an easy 5 ish minutes to walk from the lobby to the beach. Rooms are in between.
Ac worked great and it was not locked to a set temp when we were there. November is not typically a humid time of year which helps.
Pools can be cool in November depending on what the weather has been like. They don't turn on the pool heat.
The water pressure was great and the showers were fantastic!
Wifi was decent pretty much everywhere, even most of the beach areas.
Hope that helps 😃
@@newtravelescapes We have a swim up suite with private garden reserved for November. In your video this shows second story I was under the impression based on Beloved's website when I booked it would be ground floor and an actual swim up/out room. Is this true or no, thanks.
Great video. In your opinion which is better, Excellence or Beloved?
It depends what you are looking for.
Service, peacefulness, quiet and zen without being boring - Beloved.
Service, activities, more restaurants and better nightlife then Excellence.
My favourite = 4 nights at Beloved + 4 (or 5) nights at EPM. 😁
@@newtravelescapes Thanks for the reply. A true definition of "the best of both world's"!
@@patsman6737 and a nice 'excuse' to make your vacay a few nights longer. 😜
It is really easy as they are next door to one another. They will just take you over in a golf cart.
Thanks for the heads up, we were scheduled late oct to early nov. we moved it up a month. Thanks for mentioning the pools being cold.
Have fun! 😊
How was your stay and were the pools cold and the beach swimmable?
Thanks for the video. Just got back from the Finest in Punta Cana. This resort looks great. Was going to do El Carmen in September but maybe this resort instead.
How was Finest punta cana? Been to finest in cancun several times as well as excellence El carmen we are booked for finest PC in july
I’m kind of tired of Cancun
In your opinion what is the best OCEANVIEW Terrace suite with plunge pool for 1) view of the ocean and 2) privacy
Thank you
Well, I haven't stayed in all of them so I can't be specific about a room number but, in my opinion, the terrace suites in building 1 have the best views of the ocean because they face more towards the sea.
The terraces are pretty private but none of them are 'ultra' private. 😊
Wonderful review could you tell me what's a good time to go we love the beach but not the seaweed. What time of the year were you there, and was there a seaweed problem. Also was transportation included for free from the airport. According to the excellence web site if staying beyond 3 days it's free from season tours.
Thank you for your kind words 😊
I would normally suggest December through to March has much less seaweed but this current winter (2023) they have had more seaweed than I have seen in recent years. 🤔
Our footage was taken in November and although the beach was great the pools were very cold.
Excellence often includes private transfers if you book a (4 or more night) refundable stay directly with the resort. Make sure it states it before you book. It is often included but not always.
Beloved is one of my personal favourites and they do a good job cleaning up the seaweed throughout the day so even if it turns out to be a heavier seaweed time of year they work very hard to clear it.
@@newtravelescapes THANK YOU MUCH ,SO WHEN I BOOK ONLINE THEY WILL CONFIRM OUR TRANSFER OR SHOULD I CALL AND BOOK OUR STAY?
@@lawrencedorsey2099 when you book online, look for the FLEXIBLE RATE. It will say "Free cancellation with no penalties up to 24 hours before arrival date. Free transfer included with a minimum 3-night stay"
It gives you that option for most dates.
Seasons is owned by Excellence and is only available to those staying at one of their properties.
If it turns out you find a better price as a package with flights you can always use a different transfer company to get to and from the airport. There are several very good ones for Cancun Airport that will run you about $100 round trip.
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 😊
@@newtravelescapes Thank you.
Can you suggest a place for 1st week of December, all inclusive that would have heated pools?
Pools being heated is a bit elusive. Resorts that say they heat their pools typically only heat their jacuzzis. Beloved does have warm Jacuzzis off of each pool.
We were at Secrets Moxche in December 2022 and all of the pools were nice but when I asked about it they wouldn't elaborate on if they turned on by date or simply when the pools were cool.
The pool heat situation is strange at many resorts and, frankly, kind of stupid. They have heat but they don't turn it on until some random date. The concept of "pool heat turns on whenever it gets down to ?°c" just isn't a thing. I don't know why.
Iberostar Grand Paraiso has a spa pool with a retractable roof that is heated in the winter and it is open to guests, not just those with spa appointments. A hidden gem.
Sorry for my rambling but heated pools are really rare. Some years it won't be an issue because the temperatures stay warm, other years if they have a lot of rain the pools are colder.
Do all room categories have equal access to restaurants, bars, and pools? Wondering if there is a "preferred" tier similar to Secrets that I should be aware of. Thanks!
Everything is 'preferred club' at Beloved. There are no tiers. 😊
Hello! Loving all of your videos! Sooo helpful! We are trying out our first AI in May 2023 for our 20 yr Anniversary. Having a hard time trying to decide which one would be best. I love the idea of Beloved but am afraid we would end up being bored after a few days. We are not big on loud parties or drinking but love to people watch lol. Would staying at EPM and then switching to Beloved be a good idea? What would you suggest? Thanks 😊
Thank you! That is so nice to hear!!
My husband and I did exactly that resort split for our anniversary. 🙂 My son and his wife did as well, for their honeymoon.
Beloved is high end and peaceful and EPM can be more lively but you can still find quiet when you want it. The lazy river is very tranquil at EPM.
It also depends on how long you have for your vacation. I personally wouldn't split a trip that is less than 7 nights. The checking in and out would take up too much time but 5 and 5 (or longer) would be great! My ideal 'sweet spot' is 7 nights at EPM and 5 nights at Beloved.
Congrats and Have fun planning your vacation! So exciting!
Lmk if there is any other questions you have that I may have missed.
@@newtravelescapes Thank you so much! And thank you for all of the additional information! You’ve helped us tremendously 😁
@@newtravelescapes one more question…sorry 😬
If Beloved is Excellence status for everyone, would you still do EC at EPM before your switch to Beloved?
Which rooms would you recommend at both resorts? We love the idea of the private pool at Beloved as we like to night swim and I’ve seen that the pools close pretty early.
Thanks again for all of your help 😁
@@carlarowton3995 no need to be sorry I am happy to help if I know the answer. 🙂
Club level is so subjective. It is just personal preference really. You get access to a couple of quiet pools and the Magna restaurant (which is great!) Better room locations. And some upgraded liquor. If those are important to you then it is worth it.
For me personally, we look at our budget and see where our priorities lay for that particular trip.
So for our last visit one of my priorities was a swim out suite. We booked a swimout non club at EPM because I was willing to sacrificed the club level jr suite for the non club swimout to stay on budget.
Club level is really nice and the EPM club level ocean view rooms are in a great location but only IF your budget allows for it. You still get great service if you are not club and the rooms are very similar, just location differences.
This probably isn't helping your decision but it would honestly come down to money, for me (because I like to travel a lot🤪).
If I could stay a few days longer by not booking club, I would.
If it is a big celebration with a good budget that doesn't happen very often then I would go all out and book your favourite room in your preferred location.
Either way, both resorts are very good even in the entry level rooms.
We feel more 'spoiled' with the club level with Magna and the extra touches here and there. I have done both non club and club levels and they are both good.
@@carlarowton3995 I'll get back to you on the rooms question shortly. 🙂
How private are the terrace suites deck and pool?
Honestly, with the exception of the Owners suites nothing is super private. Other suites may be able to see onto your terrace.
Are any of the rooms with plunge pools private? They all look open to viewing from other rooms
Nope. They are not very private. Not bad, but not what I would deem as private. The beach front ones are less private than the buildings tucked back a bit further.
Hope that helps. 🙂
So we can’t keep the beach bag? Or did you just mean we don’t keep the robes?
When we were there the beach bags were only to use during our stay, not to keep. Unless, things have changed you can be charged for the bag if you take it home.
A bit of a bummer. I would have liked it as a souvenir (not enough to pay for it though) lol 😊
how much per day upgrade is hydrotherapy if you would like more than 1 day
I think it was around $45 per person when I was last there. 🙂
what about the swim up suites
They are great! Swim out onto a pool in the center of the resort. Buildings 2 and 3 have a few in each.
Are the plunge pools heated?
Unfortunately No. But they used to have a little trick where they can connect a hose to the outdoor shower and add warm water to up the temp a bit. 😊 I would assume, if you ask. they can still do that if it is too cold for your liking.
What building is the Penthouse suites in?
I believe there are 4 penthouse suites in total. Two located in building 2 and two located in building 3.
For the owners suite do you get unlimited hydrotherapy and dinner on the beach?
Hi! When we were last there we had access to the hydrotherapy circuit daily (once per day per person) when staying in the owner's suite. There was one included dinner on the beach as well as an hour of bar service in your room. These needed to be booked in advance with your concierge.
I haven't heard if any of that has changed for 2023.
The owners suite is huge!!! 🙂
@@newtravelescapes yay!! Thank you!